Potential Applicants
Our students come from a broad range of humanities and social science backgrounds, as well as from the natural sciences and other fields. They are drawn from universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Although previous coursework in folkloristics is not required, it is strongly recommended. Applicants should have strong undergraduate record and a desire to excel. A preparatory study of a language pertinent to the proposed area of investigation is strongly recommended.
Application and Financial Aid
The Graduate Division encourages online applications and lists guidelines and instructions at their website. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample. Submitting GRE scores is optional. Deadline for applications for fall admissions are generally in early December; this will be announced on the home page of this website as a news item. We do not admit students for the Spring Semester.
The Folklore Graduate Program attempts to support students financially, often in the form of Graduate Student Researcher, Graduate Student Instructor, and Reader positions. Nevertheless, we cannot guarantee funding, and applicants are strongly encouraged to seek outside fellowship support.
Inquiries may be directed to Tabea Mastel, Graduate Student Affairs Officer for the Folklore Program, tmastel@berkeley.edu, 510-642-3406.